Moosalamoo Campground

- Salisbury, VT 05769

Introduction / Overview

As Vermonters, we appreciate the quiet corners of our state where the focus shifts entirely to the natural world. Moosalamoo Campground, nestled at the base of Mount Moosalamoo near Voter Brook, is a cherished local spot that perfectly encapsulates this authentic Vermont outdoor experience. Situated within the heart of the 16,000-acre Moosalamoo National Recreation Area in the Green Mountain National Forest, this is a smaller, remote campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is deliberately rustic, offering a true "back to basics" experience that prioritizes privacy, nature, and trail access over modern conveniences. With 18 standard nonelectric campsites available for tent and limited RV camping (up to 20 feet), Moosalamoo is known for its spacious, wooded sites that provide excellent cover and a secluded feel. It’s a pay-for-your-spot facility, often featuring a friendly and helpful on-site host, adding a layer of community and security to your stay. For those looking to escape the crowded tourist spots and dive into the extensive trail network of the Green Mountains, Moosalamoo Campground is the ideal local choice for an unplugged retreat.

Location and Accessibility

Moosalamoo Campground's location in Salisbury, VT 05769, places it squarely in the central, mountainous region of the state, making it highly accessible for many Vermont locals. The campground sits at the foot of Mount Moosalamoo, providing immediate access to the surrounding National Recreation Area. While the setting feels remote—a key draw for local campers—it is conveniently close to Vermont’s picturesque small towns. It is only four miles from Ripton, which offers basic shopping, and approximately 12 miles from the larger communities of Middlebury and Brandon, where more extensive dining and supply runs can be made. The campsites are accessible by vehicle, accommodating tents, trailers, and small RVs up to 20 feet, with each site including a parking spur for two cars. The campground loop itself is easily navigable, allowing campers to quickly set up their basecamp before exploring the wilderness. Despite its secluded nature, the reviews note a surprising benefit for a remote location: "We have cell service most of the time!", providing a reassuring modern link when needed, although cell service is generally considered poor in the immediate area.

Services Offered

Moosalamoo Campground prides itself on its simplicity, offering core facilities that maintain a high standard of cleanliness and function for a rustic setting.

• Vault Toilets: Six accessible vault toilets are distributed throughout the campground loop. Customer reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, noting they are "clean and secure" and "the cleanest most order free toilet vaults we have ever seen." Toilet paper is provided.
• Potable Water (Hand Pump): Potable water is available on-site via a hand-pump. While one recent review noted the pump was temporarily out of service, generally, this feature allows for the convenient collection of drinking water, with water noted as being "fresh, clear and tasty" when the pump is functioning.
• Camp Host: An on-site campground host is typically present, providing local assistance, checking sites, and ensuring a smooth experience. Their presence is a recurring positive in customer feedback, with one camper calling the host "fantastic."
• Designated Camp Sites: There are 18 overnight sites, available for a fee ($15 per site per night as of public data) and sometimes reservable online, though first-come, first-served sites are also available.
• Trash Collection: Recycling and non-recyclable disposal units are available, encouraging responsible waste management and helping campers adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Moosalamoo Campground are found in its integration with the surrounding National Recreation Area and its commitment to a peaceful, authentic forest experience.

• Direct Trail Access: The campground is a literal trailhead, with the Mount Moosalamoo and Voter Brook hiking trails connected to the campground loop, providing immediate access to over 70 miles of well-maintained trails.
• Moosalamoo National Recreation Area: This expansive area offers year-round recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, all within a few minutes of your site.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently praise the privacy of the sites. They are irregularly spaced along the wooded loop with excellent tree and brush coverage, providing a "secluded and dark at night" experience.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each of the 18 overnight sites comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for enjoying a classic campfire and cooking meals over an open flame.
• Central Play Field and Recreation: A large, mowed grass field in the center of the campground loop is ideal for children, groups, and general outdoor activities, complementing the rugged woods with an open play space. The site also features a mile-long bicycle pump track.
• Natural Beauty: The campground is set in a beautiful stand of hardwoods, including sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch, ensuring a pleasant, shaded environment and stunning foliage viewing in the fall.

Contact Information

For reservations, information on current operating conditions, or to speak with the managing Forest Service office, use the following contact details.

Address: Salisbury, VT 05769, USA

Phone: (802) 767-4261 (Local Forest Service Contact)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Moosalamoo Campground is tailor-made for the Vermont resident who values simplicity, peace, and proximity to boundless outdoor recreation. As locals, we understand that the best experiences often require a little self-sufficiency, and Moosalamoo delivers that authentic, rustic camping feel—no noisy generators or bright lights, just quiet nights and the sound of the forest. Its location within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, a true local gem, means you are instantly connected to over 70 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, without the travel commitment required to reach more distant areas of the state. The spacious and quiet campsites offer the private retreat that Vermonters seek, making it a perfect spot to recharge and reconnect with the Green Mountains. Its well-maintained, though primitive, facilities and the reliable presence of a camp host ensure that while the experience is rustic, it is always comfortable and secure. For the Vermont local who has "camped here frequently" in the past and "plan on camping there again next year," Moosalamoo Campground is not just a destination; it's a cherished local tradition and an essential part of the Green Mountain outdoor lifestyle.

Moosalamoo Campground

Salisbury, VT 05769, USA